(Science Daily) Money doesn't buy happiness. Neither does materialism: Research shows that people who place a high value on wealth, status, and stuff are more depressed and anxious and less sociable than those who do not. Now new research shows that materialism is not just a personal problem. It's also environmental. "We found that irrespective of personality, in situations that activate a consumer mindset, people show the same sorts of problematic patterns in wellbeing, including negative affect and social disengagement," says Northwestern University psychologist Galen V. Bodenhausen…

The findings have both social and personal implications, says Bodenhausen. "It's become commonplace to use consumer as a generic term for people," in the news or discussions of taxes, politics, or health care. If we use term such as Americans or citizens instead, he says, "that subtle difference activates different psychological concerns." We can also take personal initiative to reduce the depressive, isolating effects of a materialist mindset by avoiding its stimulants -- most obviously, advertising.

Many Years Young

The latest scientific studies show that the things most important for maintaining good health are: Proper diet, frequent exercise, reducing stress, not smoking, limiting alcohol intake, getting enough sleep, and frequent, meaningful social contact.

The trouble is that most of us often fail to do the things we know are good for us, or continue to do what we know is bad for us.

But we're more likely to do the right things with the support of others.

The purpose of this community is to provide a platform for people who want to get healthy or maintain their health. We believe that we can help ourselves and each other by contributing our own personal experiences, especially how we overcame resistance or difficulties, to maintaining a healthy lifestyle--where possible without spending a lot of money.

There's no charge to participate. Help us grow the community, and we will be able to negotiate group rates and group prices for products and services to help us achieve our health objectives.